Chinese New Year Customs

New Year Customs

The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to kin, relatives and friends, a practice known as “new-year visits” (Chinese: 拜年; pinyin: bàinián). New clothings are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations. Red packets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. See Symbolism below for more explanation.

Chinese New Year Customs - Red Packets

All these festivities may vary from region to region and from family to family.
Chunyun (春運)

The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration, when migrant workers in China, as well as overseas Chinese around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year’s eve. More interurban trips are taken in mainland China in this 40-day period than the total population of China.
Clothing

Clothing mainly featuring the colour red is commonly worn throughout the Chinese New Year because it is believed that red will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune. In addition, people typically wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolize a new beginning in the new year.

Fireworks

Chinese New Year Customs - Fire Cracker
Bamboo stems filled with gunpowder that were burnt to create small explosions were once used in ancient China to drive away evil spirits. In modern times, this method has eventually evolved into the use of firecrackers during the festive season. Firecrackers are usually strung on a long fused string so it can be hung down. Each firecracker is rolled up in red papers, as red is auspicious, with gunpowders in its core. Once ignited, the firecracker lets out a loud popping noise and as they are usually strung together by the hundreds, the firecrackers are known for its deafening explosions that it is thought to scare away evil spirits. See also Myths above. The lighting of firecrackers also signifies a joyous occasion and has become an integral aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Red packets

Chinese New Year Customs - Red Packet Chinese New Year Customs - China Bank Note

Traditionally, Red envelopes or red packets (Cantonese: lai shi or lai see) (利是, 利市 or 利事); (Mandarin: ‘hóng bāo’ (紅包); Hokkien: ‘ang pow’ (POJ: âng-pau); Hakka: ‘fung bao’; are passed out during the Chinese New Year’s celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is common for adults to give red packets to children. Red packets are also known as 壓歲錢/压岁钱 (Ya Sui Qian, which was evolved from 壓祟錢/压祟钱, literally, the money used to suppress or put down the evil spirit ) during this period.

The red envelopes always contain money, usually varying from a couple of dollars to several hundred. The amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals (帛金 : Bai Jin). Since the number 4 is considered bad luck, because the word for four is a homophone for death, money in the red envelopes never adds up to $4. However, the number 8 is considered lucky (for its homophone for “wealth”), and $8 is commonly found in the red envelopes. Sometimes chocolate coins are found in the red packets.

Note: in this situation, odd and even numbers are determined by the first digit, rather than the last. Thirty and fifty, for example, are odd numbers, and are thus appropriate as funeral cash gifts. Having said that, it is also more common and quite acceptable to have cash gifts in a red packet using a single bank note — e.g. ten or fifty yuan bills are being used frequently.

The act of requesting for red packets is normally called (Mandarin): 討紅包, 要利是. (Cantonese):逗利是. A married person could not turn down such request as it means that this person would be “out of luck” in the new year (無利是)

Ref: wikipedia.com

CNY Around the World

Chinese New Year Around The World

Origin of the New Year parades

In 1849, with the discovery of gold and the ensuing California Gold Rush, over 50,000 people had come to San Francisco to seek their fortune or just a better way of life. Among those were many Chinese, who had come to work in the gold mines and on the railroad.

By the 1860’s, the Chinese were eager to share their culture with those who were unfamiliar with it. They chose to showcase their culture by using a favorite American tradition — the Parade. Nothing like it had ever been done in their native China. They invited a variety of other groups from the city to participate, and they marched down what today are Grant Avenue and Kearny Street carrying colourful flags, banners, lanterns, and drums and firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.

CNY is widely celebrated among Chinese communities and particularly across Asian countries with dense Chinese populations. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are buzzing with activity during this time and visitors can enjoy the many lion dances, street parades, firecracker explosions and – or course – abundance of food available in each country’s respective Chinatown.

Today, Chinese New Year parades are annual traditions across North America in cities with significant Chinese populations. Among the cities with such parades are San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Vancouver, British Columbia. However, even smaller cities that are historically connected to Chinese immigration, such as Butte, Montana, have recently hosted parades.

Ref: wikipedia

Lunar New Year in Taiwan

Chinese New Year Superstitions

Chinese New Year Superstitions

Chinese New Year Superstitions

During the new year period, there are many beliefs that vary according to dialect groups or individuals as below:

For Good Luck Beliefs 🙂

– Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
– Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to ‘scare away’ ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
– Sweets are eaten to ensure the consumer a “sweet” year.
– It is important to have the house completely clean from top to bottom before New Year’s Day for good luck in the coming year. (however, as explained below, cleaning the house after New Year’s Day is frowned upon)

– Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Asians will often gamble at the beginning of the year, hoping to get luck and prosperity.
– Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
– The night before the new year, bathe yourself in pomelo leaves and some say that you will be healthy for the rest of the new year.

For Bad Luck Beliefs :<

– Buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck amongst some Chinese. The word “shoes” is a homophone for the word for “rough” in Cantonese, or “evil” in Mandarin.
– Buying a pair of pants is considered bad luck. The word “pants”(kù) is a homophone for the word for “bitter”(kŭ) in Cantonese. (Although some perceive it to be positive, as the word ‘pants'(fu) in Cantonese is also a homophone for the word for “wealth”.)
– A haircut is considered bad luck. The word “hair” is a homophone for the word for “prosperity”. Thus “cutting hair” could be perceived as “cutting away your prosperity” in Cantonese.
– Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one’s own luck (although modern hygienic concerns take precedence over this tradition)
– Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year.
– Talking about death is inappropriate for the first few days of Chinese New Year, as it is considered inauspicious as well.
– Buying books is bad luck because the word for “book” is a homonym to the word “lose”.
– Avoid clothes in black and white, as black is a symbol of bad luck, and white is a traditional funeral colour.

Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve year cycle, each of the years being named after an animal. The Chinese believe that people born in a particular year take on the characteristics of the animal associated with that year.

Rat

Chinese Zodiac -Rat
Ambitious, clever and devoted to their family. Hard-working and imaginative. Not always sure of themselves and do not always plan for the future. Will always stand by their friends.

Ox

Chinese Zodiac -Ox
Born leaders who will work hard to achieve their aims. Dependable, good organisers and not easily influenced by others. Patient, loyal to their friends and expect loyalty in return. Tend to have lasting relationships.

Tiger

Chinese Zodiac -Tiger
Sensitive, emotional and adventurous. Confident, risk takers and dislike taking orders. Good at seeing problems, but less able to see the solutions. Often seek a shoulder to cry on when feeling down. Warm and generous to the people they love.

Rabbit

Chinese Zodiac -Rabbit
Affectionate, gentle with strong family ties. Caring and hates conflict. Peace-makers with lots of friends. Dislike being the centre of attention and enjoy the good things of life.

Dragon

>Chinese Zodiac -Dragon
Confident, hardworking and always strive to be at the top. Full of energy, determined and will inspire other people. Don’t like routine and are excited by new projects. Show loyalty to friends, popular and fun-loving.
The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac and is looked upon as the luckiest of all the animals.

Snake

Chinese Zodiac -Snake
Charming and good thinkers. Love the finer things in life, so only the best is good enough. Good at making and saving money. Patient, charming and wise. Prefer not to rely on other people.

Horse

Chinese Zodiac -Horse
Very hardworking and independent. Will work on and on until a job is finished. Very intelligent, ambitious and expect to succeed. Can cope with several projects at once. Easily fall in love.

Goat

Chinese Zodiac -Goat
Elegant, artistic and good-natured. Inclined to worry too much. Peace-lovers who prefer to avoid disagreements. Others may put upon them, but they are stronger than they seem. Family is very important.

Monkey

Chinese Zodiac -Monkey
Very clever, but mischievous. Love a challenge and can wriggle out of difficult situations by thinking through difficult problems. Highly successful and well-liked.

Rooster

Chinese Zodiac -Cock
Hardworking, strong-willed and confident. Well organised and good time keepers. Enjoy being the centre of attention and love flattery. Often outspoken and hate criticism of themselves though they can be inclined to find fault with other people.

Dog

Chinese Zodiac -Monkey
Faithful, honest and ready to serve others. Believe in truth and justice and loyal to friends. Always willing to listen to people’s problems and is able to gain the respect of others. Will share their thoughts but do not easily forgive those who cross them. Trustworthy. Tend to worry too much.

Boar

Chinese Zodiac -Boar
Honest, peace-loving and make good friends. Will try not to argue and rarely lose their temper. Love the good things in life and are very willing to share with others. Enjoy gossip and fall in love easily. Can be untidy people at home.
Ref: Topmarks.co.uk

Happy New Year in Languages

Happy New Year Sayings in Different Languages

Happy New Year Greetings to the World

Afgani Saale Nao Mubbarak
Afrikaans Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Armenian Snorhavor Nor Tari
Arabic Antum salimoun
Assyrian Sheta Brikhta
Azeri Yeni Iliniz Mubarek!
Bengali Shuvo Nabo Barsho
Cambodian Soursdey Chhnam Tmei
Catalan FELI? ANY NOU
Chinese Xin Nian Kuai Le
Corsican Pace e Salute
Croatian Sretna Nova godina!
Cymraeg (Welsh) Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Czechoslovakia Scastny Novy Rok
Denish Godt Nyt?r
Dhivehi Ufaaveri Aa Aharakah Edhen
Dutch GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!
Eskimo Kiortame pivdluaritlo
Esperanto Felican Novan Jaron
Estonians Head uut aastat!
Finnish Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French Bonne Annee
Gaelic Bliadhna mhath ur
Galician [NorthWestern Spain] Bo Nadal e Feliz Aninovo
German Prosit Neujahr
Greek Kenourios Chronos
Gujarati Nutan Varshbhinandan
Hawaiian Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew L’Shannah Tovah
Hindi Naye Varsha Ki Shubhkamanyen
Hong kong (Cantonese) Sun Leen Fai Lok
Hungarian Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Indonesian Selamat Tahun Baru
Iranian Saleh now mobarak
Iraqi Sanah Jadidah
Irish Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian: Felice anno nuovo
Japan: Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Kabyle: Asegwas Amegaz
Kannada: Hosa Varushadha Shubhashayagalu
Kisii: SOMWAKA OMOYIA OMUYA
Khmer: Sua Sdei tfnam tmei
Korea: Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo!
Kurdish: NEWROZ PIROZBE
Lithuanian: Laimingu Naujuju Metu
Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai
Macedonian Srekjna Nova Godina
Malay Selamat Tahun Baru
Marathi : Nveen Varshachy Shubhechcha
Malayalam : Puthuvatsara Aashamsakal
Maltese Is-Sena t- Tajba
Nepal Nawa Barsha ko Shuvakamana
Norwegian Godt Nytt?r
Papua New Guinea Nupela yia i go long yu
Pampango (Philippines) Masaganang Bayung Banua
persian Saleh now ra tabrik migouyam
Philippines Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese Feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi Nave sal di mubarak
Romanian AN NOU FERICIT
Russian S Novim Godom
Samoa Manuia le Tausaga Fou
Serbo-Croatian Sretna nova godina
Sindhi Nayou Saal Mubbarak Hoje
Singhalese Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
siraiki Nawan Saal Shala Mubarak Theevay
Slovak A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovenian sre?no novo leto
Somali Iyo Sanad Cusub Oo Fiican!
Spanish Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
Swahili Heri Za Mwaka Mpya?
Swedish GOTT NYTT ?R! /Gott nytt ?r!
Sudanese Warsa Enggal
Tamil Eniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal
Telugu Noothana samvatsara shubhakankshalu
Thai Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku
Urdu Naya Saal Mubbarak Ho
Uzbek Yangi Yil Bilan
Vietnamese Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Welsh : Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Chinese New Year Story

There are several legends about how the animals were chosen for the Chinese zodiac. This is one of them. The Jade Emperor is the name of the Emperor of Heaven.
Long ago, in China, the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday he told the animals that there was to be a swimming race. The first twelve animals across the fast flowing river would be the winners and they would each have a year of the zodiac named after them.
All the animals lined up along the river bank. The rat and the cat, who were good friends, were worried because they were poor swimmers. Being clever they asked the strong ox if he would carry them across the river.

Chinese New Year Story - zodiac
‘Of course’ said the kind ox. ‘Just climb on my back and I will take you across. The rat and the cat quickly jumped up and were very excited when the ox soon took the lead in the race. They had almost reached the other bank when the rat pushed the cat into the river leaving him to struggle in the water. Then just before the ox was about to win the race the rat leapt on his head and on to the bank to finish first.
‘Well done,’ said the Jade Emperor to the proud rat. ‘The first year of the zodiac will be named after you.’
The poor ox had been tricked into second place and the second year of the zodiac was named after him.

Chinese New Year Story - zodiac
Shortly after the exhausted tiger clawed his way to the river bank to claim third place. Swimming across the river had been an enormous struggle for him against the strong currents. The Emperor was so delighted with his efforts that he named the third year after him.

Chinese New Year Story - zodiac
Next to arrive was the rabbit, who hadn’t swum across at all. He hopped across on some stepping stones and then found a floating log which carried him to the shore.

‘I shall be very happy to call the fourth year after you,’ the surprised Jade Emperor explained.

Chinese New Year Story - zodiac

Dragon Just then a kind dragon swooped down to take fifth place.
‘Why didn’t you win the race, as you can fly as well as swim?’ the Jade Emperor asked.
‘I was held up because some people and animals needed water to drink. I needed to make some rain,’ the dragon explained. ‘Then when I was nearly here I saw a poor little rabbit on a log in the water and I blew a puff of wind so that the log would float to the river bank.’
‘Well that was very kind of you and now you are here you will have the fifth year of the zodiac named after you.’

Chinese New Year Story - zodiac
The next thing the Jade Emperor heard was the sound of the horse’s hooves. Just as he was thinking the horse would be the next animal to arrive, a sneaky snake wriggled out from around one of the horse’s hooves. The horse was so surprised that he jumped backwards giving the snake a chance to take the sixth place in the race. The poor horse had to be satisfied with seventh place.

Chinese New Year Story - zodiacChinese New Year Story - zodiac
Not long afterwards a raft arrived carrying the goat, the monkey and the rooster. They explained to the Emperor how they had shared the raft that the rooster had found. The goat and monkey had cleared weeds and pushed the raft to the shore. The Emperor was very pleased that the animals had worked together.

He said the goat would be the eighth zodiac animal, the monkey the ninth and the rooster the tenth.
The next animal to finish was the dog.

Chinese New Year Story
‘Why are you so late when you are one of the best swimmers?’ asked the Jade Emperor.
‘The water in the river was so clean that I had to have a bath on the way,’ explained the dog.
His reward was to have the eleventh year named after him.
Now there was one place left in the zodiac and the Emperor wondered when the last winner would come. He had nearly given up when he heard a grunt from the boar.

Chinese New Year Story
‘You took a long time to cross the river,’ said the Emperor to the boar.
‘I was hungry and stopped to eat,’ explained the boar. ‘After the meal I felt so tired that I fell asleep.’

‘You have still done well,’ said the Jade Emperor. ‘The last year of the zodiac will be named after you.’
The cat swimming to shore. As for the cat who had been pushed into the water by the rat, he finally crawled out of the water but was too late to have a year named after him. He felt very cross with the rat and since then cats have never been friends with rats.
From that day to this the Chinese Zodiac has followed this cycle of years named after these twelve animals.
Have you put in your birth date yet to see which one you are supposed to be like?

Ref: Topmarks.co.uk

Chinese New Year SMS/Quotes

Happy Chinese New Year SMS, Happy Chinese New Year Quotes, Happy Chinese New Year Sayings, Popular Chinese New Year SMS on Chinese Day Celebration.

Chinese New Year SMS / Quotes

“Happy Chinese New Year 2008”

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“Gong Xi Fa Cai!” / “Kung Hei Fat Choy
Wishing you enlarge your wealth”

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“Kong Xi Fa Cai, Make your great dreams come true this chinese new year!”

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“Wishing You and Your Family A Happy Joyful New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!”

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“Gong xi fa cai,xin nian kuai le
wish u all 2 be prosperous, Happy new year!”

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“Zhu ni xin nian kuai le, wan shi ru yi, long ma jing shen !!”

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“Xin Zheng Ru Yi Xin Nian Fa Cai”

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“Happy Chinese New Year to Everybody!”

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“Without Happy — dayz are “sadday,
moanday,
tearsday,
wasteday,
thirsday,
frightday,
shatterday”
So be happy everyday. Happy New Year!”

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“New Year,
New Vision,
New Spirit,
New Hope,
New Fresh.
All in NEW must be BETTER, do the BEST. Happy New Year. ”

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“When u ask god 4 a gift, be thankful if he sends.. not diamonds, not pearls, nor riches, but d love of real people around u! Happy New Year! ”

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“Yesterday is a history,2day is a gift n 2morrow is mistery..so welcome the new year with joy,love,faith n peacefull ”

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“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
–Bill Vaughan

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“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.”
–Charles Lamb

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“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.”
–Oprah Winfrey

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“New Year’s Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
–Mark Twain

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“Happiness is too many things these days for anyone to wish it on anyone lightly. So let’s just wish each other a bile-less New Year and leave it at that.”
–Judith Crist

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“Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.”
–Anonymous

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“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions!”
–Joey Adams

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“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
–Edith Lovejoy Pierce

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“A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to the world!”
–Charles Dickens

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“Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution
to the fund of general enjoyment.”
–Sydney Smith

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“Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year dependson what you do for others.”
–Anonymous

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“Certain corpuscles, denominated Christmas Books, with the ostensible intention of swelling the tide of exhilaration, or other expansive emotions, incident upon the exodus of the old and the inauguration of the New Year.”
–William Makepeace Thackeray

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“Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.”
–Aisha Elderwyn

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“He who breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool.”

–F. M. Knowles, A Cheerful Year Book

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“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.”
–G. K. Chesterton

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“We meet today
To thank Thee for the era done,
And Thee for the opening one”
–John Greenleaf Whittier

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“I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.”
–Anais Nin

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“Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.”
–Oscar Wilde

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“I’m a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser.”
–Robert Paul

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“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.”
–Anonymous

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“From New Year’s on the outlook brightens; good humor lost in a mood of failure returns. I resolve to stop complaining.”
–Leonard Bernstein

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“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective. Unless a man starts on the strange assumption that he has never existed before, it is quite certain that he will never exist afterwards. Unless a man be born again, he shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
–G. K. Chesterton

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“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
–T. S. Eliot

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“Then sing, young hearts that are full of cheer,
With never a thought of sorrow;
The old goes out, but the glad young year
Comes merrily in tomorrow”
–Emily Miller

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“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
–Benjamin Franklin

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“A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I’ve played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.”
–Edgar A. Guest

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“And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. Thatshall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.”
–Minnie L. Haskins

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“This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!”
–William Arthur Ward

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“What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That’s not been said a thousand times?
The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream, we dream we know.
We rise up laughing with the light,
We lie down weeping with the night.
We hug the world until it stings,
We curse it then and sigh for wings.
We live, we love, we woo, we wed,
We wreathe our prides, we sheet our dead.
We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,
And that’s the burden of a year.”
–Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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“Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth”
–Martin Luther

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“Each age has deemed the new born year
The fittest time for festal cheer”
–Walter Scott

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“Of all sound of all bells, the most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year.”
–Charles Lamb

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“In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.”
–Irish toast

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“And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
–When Harry Met Sally, the movie

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“With all the Rose’s Perfume with all the lights in the world with all the children’s Smiles…I Wish U that ur all dreams comes True..*HAPPY New Year 2008*”

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“May The Year 2008 Bring for You Happiness,Success and filled with Peace,Hope and Togetherness of your Family and Friends….Wishing You a…*HAPPY NEW YEAR* ”

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“Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.”

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“Fresh Air….
Fresh Idea….
Fresh Talent….
Fresh Energy….
I wish U to have a …..
Sweetest Sunday,
Marvellous Monday,
Tasty Tuesday,
Wonderful Wednesday,
Thankful Thursday,
Friendly Friday,
Successful Saturday.
Have a great Year. HAPPY NEW YEAR”

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“Each moment in a day has its own value. Morning brings HOPE, Afternoon brings FAITH, Evening brings LOVE, Night brings REST, Hope you will all of them everyday. HAPPY NEW YEAR”

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“My wishes for you, Great start for Jan, Love for Feb, Peace for march, No worries for April, Fun for May, Joy for June to Nov, Happiness for Dec, Have a lucky and wonderful 2008.”

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“May this new year bring many opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life and may your resolutions for the days ahead stay firm, turning all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into great achievements.”

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“Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in thethings that were and are past.”

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“New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”

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“The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows.”

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“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”

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“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”

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“Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever.”

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“People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.”

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“And ye, who have met with Adversity’s blast,
And been bow’d to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass’d
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury –
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.”

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“Each age has deemed the new-born year
The fittest time for festal cheer.”

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“Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account. ”

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“Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.”

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“A new oath holds pretty well; but… when it is become old, and frayed out, and damaged by a dozen annual retryings of its remains, it ceases to be serviceable; any little strain will snap it.”

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“But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits.”

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“New Year’s Eve, where auld acquaintance be forgot. Unless, of course, those tests come back positive.”

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“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.”

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“Of all sound of all bells… most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year.”

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“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”

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“He who breaks a resolution is a weakling;
He who makes one is a fool.”

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“Every man regards his own life as the New Year’s Eve of time.”

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“The only way to spend New Year’s Eve is either quietly with friends or in a brothel. Otherwise when the evening ends and people pair off, someone is bound to be left in tears.”

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“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when you’re forced to.”

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“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.”

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“No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam.”

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“New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.”

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“The merry year is born
Like the bright berry from the naked thorn.”

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“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”

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“Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it’s twice as onerous a duty.”

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“Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy new year. May a new year brings better health, more success, happiness and prosperity, with lots of love!”

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“With each passing moments, let us embrace the new year with a brighter, colorful, and joyous future. Happy New Year!”

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“Experiences in life are lessons. Love and care create more power to exist and survive. And may GOD fill our HEARTS with GLADNESS. HAPPY NEW YEAR”

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“Life is like a book, each day has a new page, with adventures to tell,lessons to learn and tales on good deed to remember.
Happy New Year!”

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“Always welcome the new morning with a new spirit, a smile on your face, love in your heart and good thoughts in your mind.
Happy New Year”

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“Today 2 person ask me about u. I gave them your details and contact. they will b looking 4 u soon. their names are Mr HAPPINESS and Ms LUCK. Happy New Year”

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“Sunday went 2 Monday 2 c Tuesday n ask Wednesday whether Thursday has told Friday thatSaturday is NEW YEAR. Happy NEW YEAR”

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“Days are too busy…
Hours are too few…
Seconds are too fast…
but there is always a time for me to say..
Happy new year..”

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“GOD never takes a day off to love, to care, to guide and blessed all of you every moment of your lives n your families. Happy New year”

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“Yesterday is a memory, today is a gift, tomorrow is a hope. Let’s begin new year with faith, love, and peace. Wishing u all the best! Happy new Year!”

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“A New year
A New Start
A New Chapter
A New Beginning
Forget the bad
Cherist the GOOD
I sincerely wish u a very blessed new year ahead. happy new year”

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“Its a brand new year! wishing u an endless happiness, fortunes and peace in years to come”

2009 Chinese Horoscope

Chinese Horoscope – The Year of Ox

The Rat

2009 will be an encouraging and positive year but the Rat will need to keep his eye on the world around him in order to avoid unnecessary pressures. Training and learning new skills in their careers will ensure financial security over the coming months and increased self-confidence. On the home front, this will be an excellent year for the Rat with at least one happy family occasion and
if they can manage it, an enjoyable family holiday. Romantically, this is the year to make great progress whether to meet someone new or take things to a new level with a special partner. May to September will be very favourable for socialising with September to December being important career-wise.

The Ox

The Ox sees overall improvements in his situation during his own year in 2009. The main area of enjoyment will be the interaction with others, either with friends and family or on a more romantic level. A key phrase to bear in mind this year is ‘hold fast’. There may be setbacks and delays in the general run of life, but keep calm and persist and all will be well. There will be an opportunity
to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox and there will be a huge sense of pride with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November sees very interesting and delightful romantic encounters!

The Tiger

2009 will be a challenging year for the Tiger, but it definitely lays the foundation for 2010 which is his own year. Discipline, concentration and focus will be of paramount importance to the Tiger this year. Keeping their eye on the end goal and dreams will stand to them throughout the year. Financial issues must be addressed seriously and spending should be done wisely. Romantically February to July could be very exciting but discretion must be used! The end of the year, November and December, will present excellent career opportunities for those Tigers ready to move up the job ladder.

The Rabbit

Slow and steady – this is how 2009 will progress for most Rabbits. Travel will also feature prominently in between a busy social life and an increased workload at their job. Friends and family mean the world to the Rabbit and their support and love this year will be especially important. Single Rabbits will likely meet a potential partner in a social situation and all will find that August and
September sparkle romantically! Careerwise, November is the best month to put themselves forward for a well-earned promotion or payrise. Artistic Rabbits could be approached regarding an exciting new project.

The Dragon

Most Dragons will have an increase in income during 2009 which will be very welcome. They will be strong and focussed in pursuing their objectives for the year. Dragons should take their time and appreciate any valuable advice they are given. Time should be made to enjoy hobbies and fun activities. Gossip could feature strongly during the year and all Dragons should take care not to indulge in idle chit chat lest in backfires on them! Socially, May to August will be a fun time with many Dragons taking their romances more seriously. March and April will bring intriguing job offers for those seeking a change in direction.

The Snake

For the Snake, 2009 will be quite fast-paced and demanding and they will need to remain flexible and positive to enjoy it. Romance features strongly and for the single Snake, this could be the year to start a serious relationship. Financially, impulse buys should be kept under control and risks should be minimised. 2009 will be an excellent year for self-discovery and reviewing recreational interests and hobbies. April to June will present great social opportunities and new friendships. October and November will shine on the work front.

The Horse

2009 will see the Horse making excellent progress in whatever area of his life he chooses. Finances will feature in a positive way as well with a possible increase in income. They should take care, however, to manage their money wisely and make plans. Balance needs to be maintained between work time and leisurely pursuits in order to stay healthy and centered. The Horse will have a tendency to overdo things this year. January to March will be fortuitous for changing jobs while April and December will favor romantic pursuits – for those attached, these months could bring news of an engagement!

The Goat

The Goat need not feel on his own in 2009 as there will be much support and friendship to help him in this busy year. With so much going on in all areas of his life, the Goat would do well to plan ahead and take his time in making decisions. Money-wise, the Goat needs to curb his enthusiasm for spending and exercise some self-discipline or problems may arise later! July to September will present many social events and possibilities for love and romance. Short trips and travel are well aspected in August and October for all Goats.

The Monkey

The Monkey’s fine creative streak can be put to excellent use in 2009 if he concentrates on one task at a time rather than attempting many projects at once. With keeping so busy, the Monkey needs to watch his own health and allow adequate time for work, rest and fun. On the home front, there may be celebrations and happy family gatherings throughout the year. The Monkey’s love life will shine also with many getting engaged or meeting someone very special. March to July will be particularly busy socially. November will be an excellent time for work-related promotions or recognition.

The Rooster

2009 will run along the themes of enthusiasm, planning and determination, all of which suit the Rooster perfectly! At home and with family, life will run much smoother and will be a source of happiness and security for all Roosters. Money matters are well starred also this year with either a pay rise, a surprise bonus or both! Hobbies and travelling look prominent as well, with pleasant
pursuits greatly enjoyed during the year. July to September will favor career moves and travel is highlighted towards October.

The Dog

The Dog will find a busier social life and more friends during 2009. This will be a challenging year on the work front, but Dogs should take a deep breath, be patient and remain steadfast. Solid foundations are being built for the very favorable Year of the Tiger in 2010. Travel will be particularly enjoyable and home life will be very special in 2009. October to December will be very
interesting regarding new job opportunities. May and November will see romance beautifully highlighted with many happy social get-togethers.

The Pig

2009 should prove to be a lucky and encouraging year for all Pigs. Interesting offers and chance meetings can occur at any time of the year and the Pig needs to be alert and aware for any lucky breaks. With such a hectic year, it’s important for the Pig to make time for fun and relaxation and travel may be one way to do this. It’s also an excellent year to review his diet and fitness regime, as he needs to be in top form for such an active schedule. April to July will bring happy times for love and relationships, while August and September bring interesting offers on the work front, particularly in relation to publishing and writing.

2009 Chinese Horoscope

Chinese Horoscope

The Year of Rat

Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

The clever rat has made many ambitious plans that will be put into action this year. Good fortune and good times will surround the rat in this year of glory. Easy social grace is a gift of those born in this sign, but trusted close friends and family are the center that the rat needs to secure prosperity. Beware of the battle of earth and water that may confuse the scurrying rat. This beginning of the year will see the rat tempted by many flirtatious relationships. Faithfulness and loyalty are difficult with so many admiring glances. Understand the fear of those you care for as you seem to be drawn to many new relationships. Take steps to avoid damage to your true partners. As the year passes the successful rat will see more serious relationships bear fruit. Although the rat is a water sign, boat cruises are not a good vacation plan. Travel to exotic lands to explore,meet new people and experience adventure may be the perfect honeymoon. With the influence of the earth aspects of this year, promises of commitments become real and those born in this sign may experience the blessings of marriage and of children added to their family. The rat who cannot focus on success will be misled and find much conflict and many uncomfortable scenes caused by straying from a match that will bring good fortune. When prosperity and love come easily they may not be treated with respect. The rat who will succeed is the one who remembers that greed and manipulation may bring quick victories but ultimately strengthen enemies. The cat is ever watchful of the rat who stole its place. Listen to the guidance of ancestors, loved ones and trusted friends. Beware of the flattery of casual admiration to completely fulfill the promise of extreme good fortune that this year holds.

Ox : 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

The year of the earth rat brings good more good fortune for the steady ox. The solid back that carried the rat across the river will be well rewarded. The influence of the Brown Earth Rat means a prosperous and healthy year for the ox but the influence of water will make the year interesting. There will be many choices that will lead to success if the ox remains true to the earth nature. Do not follow on paths that seem to lead to easy success. The wise ox knows that perseverance brings permanent good fortune. While your hard work will begin to bring rewards in this last half of this year, the real success awaits in the year of the ox that is coming. Conflicts and confusion can be a problem in the beginning of the year as water and earth elements of the Brown Earth Rat seek balance. Attention to romantic relationships will bring harmony but neglect will bring conflict. Giving tokens of affection will bring great rewards. Do not be obstinate in your business or personal relationships. The last few months will feel the influence of the upcoming sign of the ox strengthening and lead to full serenity. Wait until then to make those difficult decisions.

Tiger : 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

The wild tiger prospered in the year of the dog and the pig. The rat year will change the good fortune of the large cat. While not the enemy that the true cat is, there is still some adversity. Both business and personal relationships will be a challenge. You may find many flirtatious moments but they will not lead to serious commitments. You will need to rely on family to move through this confusing time. Happy relationships will suffer from conflict in the early part of the year, but attention to romance and faithfulness will return good fortune. At work you will also feel these conflicts. You will be more aware of criticism from coworkers and employers. Learn to control your aggressive nature when responding to this and you will find prosperity. Use your abundant energy to turn dreams of success into real plans that will bring rewards as the year ends. Be careful to avoid excesses in work and all things physical especially in the last half of the year.

Rabbit : 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Many rabbits will find the year of the earth rat unusually fortunate if they can control the tendency to hop about. The rat is not normally a harmonious sign for the rabbit, but this brown earth rat year remembers that both are rodents and does not confuse the rabbit with the cat. Flirtation, romance and marriage lie in wait for the amorous rabbit. The conflict will be to find harmony between the three. Take care not to endanger a possible life long love by continued flirtation. Looking for perfection instead of happiness in love can cause grief. At work the urge to pick on the shortcomings of coworkers and find dissatisfaction with a good position will cause unhappiness. This may be an auspicious time to make changes in your career path with the earth influences fueling new growth for you, but be sure that the change comes from a positive source. Moving toward prosperity will bring a positive cycle, running from adversity will not. Whether you decide to stay or go, a focus on the positive aspects of your current position will lead to long term success and good fortune through the upcoming cycle.

Dragon : 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

The rat is a good friend to the dragon. The new cycle that starts this year will bring prosperity to the dragon after what may seem like a long time of struggle. The stream of good fortune that you saw coming your way in a trickle last year will reach fullness this year. Your energy is strong after resting in the year of the pig and you will find that difficulties are able to be overcome. You will need energy to keep up with the social whirl coming your way. While much of your focus will be on friendships and love, put some of that energy toward career networking opportunities that will develop this year and will benefit you throughout the next cycle. The conservative nature of this rat year may give moments of frustration to the dragon who cannot tame a fiery nature. This is a time to begin ventures that will benefit from the steady nurturing earth influence but you will need patience and persistence to see them through to success. The signs are very good for your soul mate to appear. Take care to recognize this most special person or the opportunity may be lost in your busy social life. Home influences are strong and if you have been dreaming of a major purchase – of a home or for your home – this year is a good time to see the dream fulfilled.

Snake : 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

This year will find the energetic rat providing a wonderland of opportunities to the awakening snake. Show your true self and be honest with those who care about you. This may be difficult for the snake who is used to keeping tightly coiled, but there will be little need to use your venom to protect yourself this year. Happiness will be abundant in relationships with friends and family as long as you can uncoil. Successful results in business, especially new ventures, lie ahead for you. Your ability to take quick, decisive actions and make the right decisions will be a great benefit to your career. This may lead you to some big opportunities that you will be ready to take advantage of. Curb the impulsive to spend unwisely. Earth influences favor conservative spending for the snake, but with energy flowing so strongly, you may not be able to resist a quick buy that can turn out to be a mistake .

Horse : 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

The horse is not happy to find the rat in its barn. Distracted by the energy of the rat, the horse will be easy prey to others. By nature, the horse listens more to what the heart says, but this year it is the head that will give the best advice. Take comfort in the company of close friends and family and also make sure to exercise, eat well and keep a regular schedule. These will weave a blanket that protects you from the blasts of ill fortune and physical distress that the rat year can bring. Try not to let your nervousness cause conflicts at home and work. This is not a time to start new ventures or make major decisions. Plans for the future are the way to take advantage of your time. Building knowledge about your career through job training or education will move you ahead without danger. Plan inexpensive, relaxing vacations with friends and family to clear your confusion and find peace.

Sheep / Goat : 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

The rat year brings sheep romance that may be true love, but overall the year will seem less positive than what you may be used to. The year may see unhappiness in romantic relationships. Accepting your part in the disharmony will help to return happiness. In this area, your family may be part of the problem. A trip to a faraway land brings calm back to your love life, but beware of seeming to promise more than you are willing to give. Foolish decisions in the early part of the year can bring ill fortune for this cycle. Seek the advice of family and trusted friends before making hasty decisions about money or career. There are many opportunities but choosing the best path is important. The rat offers chances for learning and culture. Looking at the past or cultures that are different from your own may lead to knowledge that will bring success in personal and business ventures. Find a group that will offer you the chance to talk about these things. Travel to new places adds to the good fortune and gives you a chance to spend energy in growth instead of following roads that will lead to dead ends.

Monkey : 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

The Monkey who has worked hard will see many rewards in the year of the rat. The year may start off slow, but by the end of March the full richness of the rat year will be evident and continue through the year. The battle of earth and water can bring confusion. Tolerance helps you to avoid making enemies by judging friends or coworkers too harshly. Overall the rat is a good friend to the monkey and provides many chances to find good fortune in love and in your career. Take your time in picking the best of these. Avoid the temptation to spend unwisely. This is a year for saving, not spending. The right decisions will see the foundation of a comfortable nest egg building during the rest of the cycle. Enjoy your good fortune.

Rooster : 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Rooster will find many challenges to overcome during the rat year. Energy is high, but much of it is not positive and there is stress ahead for the rooster. Quick decisions and emotional outbursts will lead to trouble. Keep a positive attitude and pace yourself. Make a plan for your time and your money and stick to it. Relationships will be unsteady if the crowing rooster shows aggression. When that urge appears, step back and use your strong intellect to analyze the problem and create a positive outcome. Matters of money and career will also need this steady approach. The rat year favors learning and you can overcome many negative aspects at work by seeking training and sharing your knowledge with coworkers. Remember that what you do this year will follow you throughout the cycle, so keep that positive attitude intact and build a foundation for the upswing in your fortunes in the coming years.

Dog: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

The dog continues to find good fortune as the rat opens a new cycle. Family and friends are more important than ever this year, but avoid pressure from this source on business and financial decisions. Relationships that began in this pig year may be a source of good fortune in this new 12 year cycle. Don’t be afraid to let superiors and coworkers see your skills. Accept both the praise and advice that comes to you from this source. Keep your focus as you may find yourself drawn to chasing the rat, but don’t be timid when the time comes to make decisions that will bring change and good fortune.

Boar : 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The pig still enjoys the benefits of good fortune as the new cycle begins. The fire pig, those born in 1947 and 2007, will be especially fortunate in the year of the earth rat, but anyone born in a pig year will find the rat year bringing good fortune. This year promises success in romance and there may be marriage in the year ahead. Finances are no problem for you this year, but be careful of those who would take advantage asking for loans or applying pressure for you to make a major purchase or investment. Steady work will move your career into places you had not expected. Be open to the energy and excitement that this new cycle brings, but conserve your physical strength. There is a pig tendency to push too hard. There is no need to exhaust yourself in seeking prosperity — especially in the second half of the year.
Ref: Cliff.com